A $6.99 Wet n Wild Palette – Worth Big Bucks?!

Back in the day, I used to religiously use their eyeshadow quad palettes. I’d use them, literally, every single day. Be it in the classroom at college or racing around a restaurant serving tables, their eyeshadow was my go to and it never failed me. I wasn’t as skilled in pulling together a look back then and the embossed directions like “Browbone”, “Crease” and “Eyelid” were quite useful.

Then, I guess I got a bit “fancy” and moved on…because it’s definitely been YEARS since I’ve purchased a Wet n Wild eyeshadow palette. Well let me tell you, I’m never leaving again! No more will I be distracted by pretty packaging and a higher price tag.

Wet n Wild eyeshadow is simply where it’s at.

Back to Wet n Wild

Upon discovering the masterful Photofocus foundation (read my review, here), I had some fun sorting through the Wet n Wild section at my local CVS. Parked on the floor, (I meant serious business) I thoroughly reviewed everything they had and filled my basket with several beauties – including the stunning Wet n Wild Au Natural palette in “Nude Awakening”.

They currently offer the Au Natural palette in two color selections. While the “Bare Necessities” palette is also quite lovely, I was sucked in by the beautiful Merlot shade of this one. (What can I say? I love wine, even in makeup form.)

Wet n Wild Au Natural Palette in Nude Awakening

Wet n Wild Au Natural Palette in Bare Necessities

As you can see, both of the Au Natural palettes are quite striking and bare a resemblance to Urban Decay’s famous Naked palettes. I definitely plan to pick up the Bare Necessities palette soon, though I do think the color variation in that one isn’t as dramatic.

Wet n Wild Nude Awakening Eyeshadow Palette

Almost like a Naked 3 knock-off, the Wet n Wild Nude Awakening eyeshadow palette is perfect for creating a multitude of rose gold looks that are simply perfect for springtime. The palette includes twelve shades with 5 matte and 5 shimmers, that all compliment each other very nicely and are surprisingly long-wearing.

Breaking Down the Matte Shades

Matte White – perfect for highlighting your brow bone

Matte Neutral Brown – a great transition shade, or worn all over the lid

Matte Merlot Shade – I love this shade to deepen up the crease

Matte Gray – Fantastic for creating a smokier look and lining the lower lash line

Matte Black – Smoke out your own, line your lower lash line or create a winged eyeliner look with this shade

Breaking Down the Shimmer Shades

Soft Pink Shimmer – lightest of the shimmer shades. Great as an accent on the center of your lid

Soft Gold Shimmer – beautiful when worn all over the lid

Medium Gold Shimmer – a deeper gold, that will be beautiful in the summer months

Medium Pink Shimmer – my MOST used shade. I wear all over my lid with the Merlot shade in the crease.

Brown Shimmer with Gray Undertones – Great shade to deepen up the crease or to line the lower lash line.

Are You Ready for Swatches?

Now, of course I KNOW you’re ready to take in some swatches!

In general, I would say that the Wet n Wild Nude Awakening Eyeshadow palette swatches very nicely – but there is some slight inconsistency between shades. Such as, my FAVORITE Merlot shade swatches much more evenly than the charcoal black – which can be quite patchy. Of course, when I use the black on a MAC 266 brush as “eyeliner”, I’m literally blown away by how evenly it applies.

As for the shimmer shades, they do have decent amount of pigmentation to them, but for even more OOMPH – I would suggest wetting them. You can use a facial mist like Mac’s Fix+ or even water to build a lot more drama.

Do the shadows have a lot of fall-out?

Be warned, while the Wet n Wild Nude Awakening eyeshadow palette offers strongly pigmented shades, they do have fallout. Be particularly careful with the black shade. It has a powdery texture to it that can sprinkle about if you’re not too careful. Simply tap your brush before going into lose any excess.

How long can I expect the shadows to last?

I apply the shadows in the morning before work with the Lorac eyeshadow primer and have no issue with them lasting through the full workday. If you have plans after work, I do think you’d want to do some touching up.

Is the Palette Worth the Price?

At $6.99, I think you’ll be blown away by the quality for the price. Wet n Wild definitely doesn’t go above and beyond with the packaging, but the Nude Awakening eyeshadow palette is has a lot of product in a clear, design.

Wet n Wild Nude Awakening Eyeshadow Palette: The Basics

10 Shades: 5 matte, 5 shimmers

Price: $6.99, but frequently on sale at drugstores

Availability: Readily available at Walgreens and CVS drugstores, some Targets and online

Pigmentation: Strong pigmentation, but for best results – use an eyeshadow primer

Longevity: About 6-8 hours of strong wear time. For best results, use with an eyeshadow primer.

Cruelty-Free!!

All-in-all, I am so IMPRESSED by the Wet n Wild Nude Awakening palette that I’m already plotting my next trip to the drugstore to pick up its Bare Necessities sister.

I actually feel kind of stupid for ever stepping away from the Wet n Wild counter to try pricier brands, because the quality of their eyeshadows is so strong…at a fraction of what we’re paying for Tarte, Mac, etc. It’s good to know that Wet n Wild still comes through with the great makeup products, that are so kind to our budgets! At $6.99 a pop, you can definitely afford to add this palette to your makeup collection.

Are There Any Other Must-Have Palettes at the Drugstore?

DO let me know if you’ve tried this or any other great eyeshadow palettes from the drugstore, lately. Rimmel has one that I’ve heard some decent things about – as does Elf. If you have any recommendations, send them my way!

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